正本

• Reading: せいほん
• Romaji: seihon
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (sei) — correct, official, authentic; 本 (hon) — book, origin, original
• Pronunciation: /se.i.ho.ɴ/

Meaning

Authentic text; authorised version; fair copy. The definitive, officially sanctioned version of a manuscript or document, as opposed to a draft or copy.

Used in literary, legal, and theatrical contexts. In traditional Japanese theatre, the 正本 is the authoritative script held by the lead performer or troupe. In publishing, it refers to the final corrected manuscript submitted for printing. In law, it denotes the original official document. Contrasts with 草稿 (sōkō — draft) and 写本 (shahon — copied manuscript).

Examples

1. 正本と写本とでは、細部の表現にかなりの差異が見られる。 There are considerable differences in detailed expressions between the authentic text and the manuscript copy.
2. 劇団の正本には、役者の書き込みが無数に残っていた。 The theater company's authorized script was filled with countless notes written by the actors.
3. 契約書の正本は公証役場に保管されている。 The original copy of the contract is kept at the notary office.

Usage Guide

Context: theatre, publishing, law, manuscripts

Tone: authoritative

Origin & History

From 正 (sei — correct, official) and 本 (hon — book, original). The combination expresses the idea of the 'correct' or 'authoritative' version of a written work — the one that serves as the definitive reference.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Specialists

Social background: Academic